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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 15, 2006, at 13:03:57
Trying to say this in a civil maner.... here goes.
An influential member of a prominent religious group said (edited for civility)on Monday, that Islam is not a religion of peace, and said that radical muslims were under negative spiritual influence.
How are we to gain respect and cooperation among religious groups when such vilifying statemens are made by respected religious leaders?
Peace has to work in two directions. If you insult a people, how can you expect them to respond with kindness and love?
If a nation or a religion boldly insulted Christ, would Christian leaders not react? Would they welcome such comments as merely a freedom of speech? Look at the reaction the movie "The Life of Brian" got.
Fostering hatred is no way to achieve peace in the world. Leaders insulting entire religions will not reduce threats of terrorism. If leaders do not offer respect, how can they expect it to be shown or returned? As one reporter said about the situation, this leader was merely throwing more gasoline on the fire.
Is it possible that religious leaders feel that they are accountable only to God? Is there a way to ask them for some accountablility to the people they are supposed to be serving?
I just get worried when people in power feel they can act with impunity; when they can with a wide brush label entire groups.... millions of people as evil. I think that those of us with both brain and voice should let our leaders know that we expect more and better from them.
--Dee
Posted by James K on March 17, 2006, at 12:31:28
In reply to unfortunate statement, posted by deirdrehbrt on March 15, 2006, at 13:03:57
My problem with Pat Robertson isn't his statements, it is the mainstream media continuing to cover his statements. I want a divide between what I call real news and things like this that seem to be business as usual to me. I do resent that so many stations on my cable that I pay for are totally religious in nature, and that he is a prominent spokesperson for that kind of religion. I'd like the choice to say no to his station, I'd also like the choice to say no to the Golf station.
There will always be a problem between groups believing they are the only Way, but why bother believing if you don't Believe? By that I mean it is his religion and his belief and he has freedom of both. I'm not sure how he gets to have so much attention at this late stage in his career.
I've now covered Politics, religion, and Golf. I tried to be civil. I do have a point and that is not that Pat or his followers are wrong or right, just that I don't see his opinion as particularly newsworthy at this point in history. Not because he isn't a worthy human being, but because his influence has diminished over the years. Now I'm just rambing.
James K
Posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 14:05:10
In reply to Re: unfortunate statement » deirdrehbrt, posted by James K on March 17, 2006, at 12:31:28
I've deleted the Golf channel, shopping channels, religious channels, and certain others I'm not interested in from our TV lineup. It's not that hard with most TV's. You still receive them, but they are not ones that you can "flip to" if they are not on the "favorite channel" list.
gg
Posted by Racer on March 19, 2006, at 12:48:37
In reply to Re: unfortunate statement » deirdrehbrt, posted by James K on March 17, 2006, at 12:31:28
> I'd also like the choice to say no to the Golf station.
>
>Do you really think that's supportive of the Golfers of the world, to be so dismissive of their beliefs?
(sorry -- that made me laugh out loud when I read it. I just felt the need to acknowledge it.)
> I do have a point and that is not that Pat or his followers are wrong or right, just that I don't see his opinion as particularly newsworthy at this point in history.And I agree with this point. Thank you for making it.
This is the end of the thread.
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